Abstract
In this study, three-dimensional (3D) turbulent core annular flow (CAF) regime is investigated numerically. The proposed model is based on the 3D Reynolds average Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations combined with a pure convective transport equation of the volume of fluid (VOF) to predict the interface between the oil and water phases. The k-ω turbulence model is adopted to better reproduce the oil and water flow characteristics. The two-phase (CAF) regime can be predicted by two inlet configurations: the T-junction (3D-T) and the straight pipe (3D-S). These two configurations are simulated and compared for pipe diameter D = 0.026 m and pipe length L = 4 m . For these two inlet configurations, the computed mixture velocity profile and the water volume fraction at a test section z = 100 D were compared to experimental measurements. The 3D-T configuration gives more appropriate results. The 3D-S slightly overestimates the maximum velocity at the test section and the lower and upper water layer of the (CAF) flow is shifted in the upward direction. For the 3D-T, the relative error in the pressure drop is 3.3%. However, for the 3D-S, this error is 13.0%.
Highlights
Two-phase oil-water flow is a particular case of multiphase flow and has a great interest especially in the petroleum, nuclear, and chemical industries. e distribution of each phase affects the pressure drop in a more complicated way than in a single-phase flow. e main tasks of the numerical and experimental investigations are the predetermination of the characteristics of the flow regimes, water holdup, and pressure drop along the transport cylindrical pipe
The fully developed flow (FDF) is attained if the pressure profile along the pipe axis is unchanged with time
Conclusions and Perspectives e AF regime of the liquid-liquid two-phase flow is validated for two inlet configurations at the horizontal and circular pipe
Summary
Two-phase oil-water flow is a particular case of multiphase flow and has a great interest especially in the petroleum, nuclear, and chemical industries. e distribution of each phase affects the pressure drop in a more complicated way than in a single-phase flow. e main tasks of the numerical and experimental investigations are the predetermination of the characteristics of the flow regimes, water holdup, and pressure drop along the transport cylindrical pipe. In [5], conducted the first experimental study of oilwater flow in a uniform cross section and horizontal pipe with equal densities and low oil viscosity. In these experiments, the CAF was observed. Numerical results and experimental investigations for a stratified oil-water flow in the horizontal pipe were conducted by Santos et al in [10]. In [16], studied numerically the CAF flow using lateral and central injections of water and oil, respectively, through a horizontal pipe with a uniform cross section. E principal recommendations corresponding to the accuracy of the CAF regime generation is deduced
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